Come the last part of January people around here, (the Boss), start wanting a change of scenery, warmer temps and bright sunshine. Accordingly, he took the bull by the horns and arranged for a week's stay at a very nice 6th floor condo on Marco Island, which is far down on the west coast of Florida south of Naples, and about a 350 mile drive from home. The unit was exceptionally clean and nicely furnished with all the kitchen pots/pans and sundries you might need. It also featured a double-sized wall type sliding door leading out onto the screened lanai. Here are a few shots from the unit.
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| Below us a nice pool with 2 hot tubs plus a large covered gazebo |
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| Ground level view of the docks from the paved walking path. |
As is our custom, we brought with us several home-cooked, frozen meals for convenience. This being "the season" it was super busy with most restaurants having a queue in the evenings. We aren't into subjecting ourselves to that kind of torture, and much prefer catching a nice lunch out somewhere. One of those lunches included hooking-up with my cousin Pat and her husband Steve. They live in Naples for most of the year with summers spent visiting family up in Delaware. We made plans to meet up at the Snook Inn on Marco Island. It's a good thing they got there super early (11am) because not long afterwards everyone showed up!! We had a nice waterside table and enjoyed the fresh seafood and a wonderful catch-up. It had been 10 years since our last sit-down, wow!
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| Pat and Steve up top, Ed and I on the bottom. |
Ed loves to walk and fortunately isn't plagued with much in the way of hip, knee or foot pain so he enjoyed some nice long walks, including a walk over to Tigertail Beach on the west side of the island. Here are some shots he took at the beach - look at that white sand.
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| Tigertail Beach on Marco Island |
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| Nice sense of humor - "Sudocow" |
We had a very nice time on Marco Island relaxing somewhere different, and Ed, much like his Mom, is a sun-worshipper of the finest order. He spent some quality time soaking it up down at the pool while enjoying his book. No shortage of vitamin D for him.
In addition, we took in the sights which included heading down towards the Everglades, then having a wonderful lunch at Crabby Lady's in Goodland, FL just south of Marco. I had been wanting some fried shrimp in the worst kind of way and boy, did they deliver!
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| We ate under the palapa and behind the wind break - it was howling. |
Afterwards as we made our way back to the condo, we did some glitz and glitter touring of the fancy side of the island where all the high-end hotels and resort condominiums are located. Of course, the houses lining the streets on the island are nothing to scoff at in their own right. 💰💰Cha-ching!! 💰💰
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| J.W. Marriott Hotel - check out Google for images of their beach side amenities. |
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| Big house, big problem, lol. |
All I can say is we are so glad we love our townhouse and do not have "10 foot 'itis" as we used to say while living aboard our 33' sailboat. I can't imagine spending that kind of money, and I certainly wouldn't want to have to take care of a huge house like that.
When the week was done we headed up for a quick lunchtime visit with my sister and her husband in Sebring. We opted for an outdoor lunch at the Veteran's Park on Lake Jackson, where they have picnic pavilions available. Even though it was short, we had a great visit! We didn't get any pictures, too busy catching-up I guess, however I did get a few from the car on our way out of town.
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| Jacaranda Trees were in bloom |
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| Lake Jackson, Sebring, FL |
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| My kind of lakeside scene, reminiscent of old Florida |
It was super nice to get away for a bit, but also nice to get back home. Until next time, take care. 😊
